ALFRED, Maine - A citizen saw a York County resident wandering in the roadway, and quietly stepped in to assist York County Sheriff’s Office deputies help the older resident who was experiencing cognitive difficulties. Jennifer Stonehouse gently calmed the individual, and in so doing, helped the situation end safely.
A member of the YCSO command staff, Operations Major Craig Sanford, saw the difficulties a mother and her child were experiencing and how few resources they had, and quietly went shopping, using his own funds to secure supplies for the young family.
The efforts of Stonehouse, Sanford and a host of others – patrol deputies, corrections officers, and civilians, were celebrated Friday, March 21 at the York County Sheriff’s Office annual awards ceremony for 2024. There were commendations, lifesaving awards, officers of the year and a graduation ceremony for members of the YCSO inaugural Citizens Police Academy that had wound down just the evening before. It was a full afternoon – and with awards too for winners of the agency’s annual chili contest.
“Preparing for these events is a humbling experience because I learn, or I am reminded of the great work we do on a regular basis,” said Sheriff William L. King.
Steven Broy, who joined YCSO in 2022, was named Deputy of the Year. Selected as a detective and appointed to the Criminal Investigation Division in February 2024, he is approachable and eagerly accepts new assignments, the sheriff said. King noted Broy maintains a full caseload of felony crimes, accepts auxiliary duties like managing the York County sex offender program, is an assistant team leader with the Southern Maine Special Response Team and is a YCSO firearms instructor. As well, he is leading an effort to upgrade CID technology so detectives can review investigative aids, maintain situational awareness of patrol assignments and keep track of open investigations and assignments.
Adam Boynton was named Corrections Officer of the Year. Described as consistent, dependable, an extraordinary worker and a mentor by his supervisors, Boynton is one of the first to respond in an emergency, the sheriff said. In making the award, King said Boynton handled himself in an exemplary manner when a prisoner became unruly in the courthouse.
“It is our understanding that you used the minimal amount of force and other employees were impressed that you were able to gain control of the prisoner in an efficient and skilled manner,” King said.
Sue Seaman, who retired as a fulltime corrections officer in 2022, returned as a reserve officer shortly thereafter. She was named Reserve Corrections Officer of the Year for 2024.
“It was clearly a wise choice for the agency to retain your wisdom, corrections acumen and willingness to be a trainer and mentor to newer officers,” King said. The sheriff noted Seaman is always on time, volunteers for extra assignments and is an inspiration to other corrections staff.
Earning lifesaving awards were deputies David Pratt, Justin Titcomb, Evan Souza, Kyle Kochanowicz, Steven Broy, Alex Markellos and Sergeant Joshua Morneau. Working as a team, they were able to save the life of a young gunshot victim while an unruly crowd had gathered. King said the scene was chaotic, yet the officers maintained their composure, and saved a life.
Earning commendations were deputies Matthew Cummer, Robert Carr, Stephen Gould and Duane Fay, CO Keith Seymour, Corporal Donovan Cram, Major Craig Sanford, Sergeants Josh Morneau and David Chauvette and York County Jail Administrator Major Lori Marks.
York County Jail Sergeant Colton Sweeney earned a Mat Baker Award, named in memory of the late Chief Deputy. Sweeney was also to be named Officer of the Year by the Maine Sheriff’s Association.
Supervisor Brad Paul of the YCSO Civil Division also earned a Mat Baker Award.
King recognized Captain David Lambert with a Sheriff’s Award. Lambert is poised to retire soon, after working 41 years at York County Jail.
Others were recognized for their contributions to the agency, among them EMA volunteers Marc Burnell and Richard Gaudreau, drone operators who assist YCSO.
Sergeant Ellis Mattison and Officer John Nardelli were recognized for volunteering to act in a movie that was filmed at York County Jail and at York County Court House.
Ed Stubbs of American Legion Post #134, Alfred, sang the National Anthem at the ceremony, while Marine Reserve Officer John Flagler led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chili contest judges Tom Baran of AAA and Samantha York of Newscenter Maine sampled eight pots of chili, scoring each on flavor, aroma, texture, color and heat and announced the winners. Diana Miles, an addiction counselor at York County Jail won first place honors, with Rosanna Ryan and C.J. Bolduc tying for second place.
The inaugural Citizen Police Academy that commenced Feb. 25 and ran two nights a week for four weeks saw 27 students from 10 York County communities attend classes on police patrol operations and tactics, communications, first aid, crime scene processing, political implications, community policing, constitutional law, use of force, K9 utilization, special response team operations, jail operations, investigations – and a ride along.
King had been mulling starting a citizens academy for some time. As it turned out, so have others, including Massabesic High School Resource Officer Matthew Cummer, who spearheaded the program that ran in cooperation with the school district. Cummer said he expected a modest enrollment – but applications kept rolling in.
“Thanks to all who helped,” he said.
Arundel resident Paul Hodak, a retired aircraft captain and federal flight deck officer, was among the graduates. “I was in law enforcement, and I thought this would be an interesting way to get reacquainted,” he said. “I enjoyed looking at law enforcement from their perspective – I saw a lot of commonality.”
“I wanted to understand what they do and be more aware of how they interact with the community,” said graduate Tracy Gaudet of Acton. “They’re just normal people like you and I, and I don’t think they’re appreciated the way they should be.”
“It has truly been a great experience,” said graduate Jonathan Fallon.
The YCSO Citizen Police Academy graduates are Ross Albertson, Dennis Bailey, Christopher Benson, Alex Blow, Frank Brackin, James Daniels, Robert Dyer, Jonathan Fallon, Krista Freeman, Richard Freeman, Tracy Gaudet, Patricia Guay, Bruce Hagan, Joseph Harris, Paul Hodak, Linda Letourneau, Victoria Lynn, Dennis McDonald, David McQuade, Martha Morrison, Matt Ryan, Rosanna Ryan, Kevin Spainhour, Steve Veit, Tim Veit, Tom Veit, and Janet Vincent.
